RTL's Pierre Jans spoke to the Minister for Internal Security, Henri Kox, about the situation in the wake of the tragedy that occurred in Trier on Tuesday. Kox specified with regard to the Trier incident that the Luxembourg police force was in contact with their German colleagues and were ready to be deployed if needed.
Due to residents feeling unsafe, private security agents have been patrolling the area around Luxembourg City's main train station since 5pm on Tuesday. Kox said that although he did not personally approve, he could understand citizens' concerns. But police reinforcements have already been deployed in the Gare district, with 60% of additional active cases discovered as a result.
In the Gare district, explained Kox, police form just part of the solution, as they cannot solve the issues on their own. Another part of the solution focuses on social work and improvements.
The minister acknowledged there are problems around the Gare and said he was in contact with the municipal council. However, he said adding two security officers would not solve much, compared to the 75 police officers in active service around the area. Ministers and the town hall should work together to tackle the issue of drug hotspots, said Kox, and to date, Luxembourg had always ascribed to the political and judicial notion that policing should not become a private enterprise.
However, Kox added the Gare drug issue was more noticeable due to the high concentration in structures, which in Kox's opinion requires decentralisation. He said he did not feel that having private security patrols in public spaces was the right solution. It is up to the municipal council to decide whether the private security agents will remain, said Kox, but the police will continue to strengthen their presence around the Gare.
